Some Nominees On Tinubu’s Ambassadorial List Should Be In Prison - Joe Keshi

Joe Keshi’s Rebuke of Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees

Summary: Former Nigerian diplomat Joe Keshi has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial list, asserting that some nominees lack integrity and should be serving prison sentences rather than representing Nigeria abroad.

In a striking intervention that has stirred debate within Nigeria’s political and diplomatic circles, Ambassador Joe Keshi, a former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the ambassadorial list recently forwarded by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate for confirmation.

Speaking during a televised interview, Keshi expressed grave concern over the character and suitability of several nominees, particularly those categorized as non-career ambassadors.

Keshi’s remarks were blunt and uncompromising. He stated that while a few names on the list were acceptable, “the bulk of the people on the non-career list is a bit disturbing.” He questioned whether such individuals were truly fit to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

According to Keshi, if justice had prevailed and governance had been properly managed, some of these nominees “should actually be cooling their heels in prison and not being sent out as ambassadors”.

The former diplomat highlighted that certain nominees had previously governed Nigerian states but failed woefully in leadership, leaving behind legacies of mismanagement. He argued that such individuals, who demonstrated no capacity for effective governance, should not be rewarded with prestigious diplomatic postings. Instead, their past failures should disqualify them from representing Nigeria internationally.

Keshi’s criticism extended beyond the nominees themselves to the Senate’s role in the confirmation process. He expressed skepticism about the legislature’s willingness to conduct rigorous scrutiny, noting that the Senate under its current leadership has a pattern of allowing nominees to “take a bow” without meaningful interrogation. He warned Nigerians not to expect surprises or accountability from the confirmation hearings, stressing that the Senate “does not pursue rigorous investigations”.

This controversy underscores broader concerns about Nigeria’s diplomatic appointments, which have often been criticized for being politicized rather than merit-based. Keshi’s intervention raises questions about the integrity of the selection process and whether Nigeria’s foreign service is being undermined by political patronage. His remarks resonate with citizens who demand higher standards of accountability and competence in public service.

The debate sparked by Keshi’s comments is likely to continue as the Senate proceeds with its confirmation hearings.

Whether his warnings will influence the process remains uncertain, but his words have already amplified public scrutiny of Tinubu’s ambassadorial list.